This Is Pantone's Color of the Year 2018

It's December, and the holiday season is officially here. But for color lovers, today is a holiday in and of itself: the day Pantone announces their Color of the Year for 2018. In 2017, they went for a bright, leafy hue called Greenery. For their tenth anniversary pick, will they go bold, or return to a softer hue? Let's find out:

(Image credit: Pantone)

(Image credit: Pantone)

The 2018 Pantone Color of the Year is Ultra Violet! While Apartment Therapy editors were betting on some shade of yellow, purple is a bold choice (and one we're quite into).

"We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level," said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. "From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come."

When we think of purple, it's hard to not think of Prince, who received his own official Pantone hue earlier this year. Indeed, Pantone calls the color representative of the counterculture and artistic brilliance, also crediting David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix with bringing attention to the shade.

The mystical color is also associated with mindfulness and connection, something we could all use a little more of.

"The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than 'what's trending' in the world of design; it's truly a reflection of what's needed in our world today," added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. "As individuals around the world become more fascinated with color and realize its ability to convey deep messages and meanings, designers and brands should feel empowered to use color to inspire and influence. The Color of the Year is one moment in time that provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Color Institute's year-round work doing the same for designers and brands."